But if any man love God, the same is known of him. (1 Cor. 8:3)

© 2018 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

The following passage has intrigued me since I was a young boy.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (Romans 8:28‑30)

Who are those that “love God” in this passage?  The next few words explain that they are “them who are the called according to his purpose.”  But who are these “called ones?”  Again, the passage explains.  They are the ones God foreknew.   The Greek word translated “foreknow,” here, comes from the same root word translated “foreordained” in 1 Peter 1:20.  Scripture establishes an unbreakable chain of events.  God predestinated each one foreknown by Him.  God effectively calls each one He predestinated and causes them to love Him.  He justifies each one He calls.  He glorifies each one He justifies.

Without God’s sovereign, unchanging, and eternal plan, none would be foreknown, predestinated, called, justified, or glorified.  All would be lost. Their dead fallen hearts would ultimately reject God.  But, for the beneficiaries of God’s wonderful plan, the outcome of blessing is absolutely certain.  Jesus said,

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37)

These are wonderful promises.  Each one foreknown by God, from eternity past, shall come to Him, desiring forgiveness of sins.  None who come shall be turned away.  God the Son, Jesus Christ, died a foreordained, sacrificial death to pay the penalty for His peoples’ sins (see 1 Peter 1:20 referenced above).  Before Jesus’ virgin birth, the Angel declared the following to Joseph, Mary’s espoused husband:

“… that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Has the Spirit of Christ drawn you to love God and seek His forgiveness?  To be saved you must!

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